Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen on Thursday refusing to wear a headgear offered to him during an event of the state madrasa board, prompting the opposition to question his "secular credentials".
The incident, which has stirred a political row ahead of the Bihar elections, comes despite Nitish’s long history of donning a skull cap at Iftar parties and Islamic gatherings.
The refusal took place during the centenary celebrations of the state madrasa education board in Patna. In a video that has since gone viral, a board member is seen attempting to place the cap on Nitish’s head. The Chief Minister, however, declined and held it in his hand instead.
Following a brief photo-op, Bihar’s Minority Minister Zama Khan is seen trying to persuade Nitish again to wear the cap. The Chief Minister, however, declined once more and was seen placing the headgear on Khan’s head instead.
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The development assumes significance as it comes just months before the Assembly elections in Bihar. Muslims make up about 18 per cent of the state’s population and hold influence in several constituencies.
Wearing a skull cap at Iftar events has been a familiar practice for Nitish over the years. But since rejoining the NDA alliance last year, he has not been seen doing so.
Even during the Iftar hosted at his residence earlier this March, he refrained. His frequent changes in political alignments have earned him the nickname “Paltu chacha”.
The JD(U) has faced criticism from sections of the Muslim community, particularly after extending support to the Waqf law, which increases government oversight of Waqf properties donated by Muslims.
The legislation was passed in Parliament in April but has been partly stayed by the Supreme Court.
Earlier this year, at least five Muslim JD(U) leaders resigned from the party over Nitish’s support for the bill. The party’s challenges have also been compounded by the Election Commission’s electoral roll revision, which has raised concerns about possible disenfranchisement in Muslim-majority districts.
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